Universal serial bus (USB) to digital video

ABSTRACT

This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for switching serialized video information (e.g., non-packet-based video information) and Universal Serial Bus (USB) information (e.g., packet-based information) to a common output (e.g., to a physical USB interface).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/187,156, filed on Jun. 15, 2009, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial bus communication standarddesigned to provide a standard communication port between computerhardware and a host computer. Many computer devices or peripherals(e.g., mice, keyboards, scanners, digital cameras, printers, mediaplayers, external hard drives, etc.) can be coupled to a host computerusing USB.

Released in 1996, USB 1.0 had data transfer capabilities of 12 MBits/s.In 2000, USB 2.0 was released, having data transfer capabilities of 480Mbits/s. In 2008, USB 3.0 was released, now with data transfercapabilities of 5 Gbits/s. As the data transfer capabilities for the USBconnector have increased, the potential applications of the connectorhave grown.

OVERVIEW

This document discusses, among other things, a system and method fortransferring high-definition (HD) video information from a portabledevice to an HD video port (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) of anexternal display using a USB port on the portable device.

In Example 1, a system includes a switch including a first inputconfigured to receive Universal Serial Bus (USB) information, a secondinput configured to receive serialized video information, and an outputconfigured to provide at least one of the USB information or theserialized video information to a remote device, wherein the switchincludes a first state configured to couple the first input with theoutput and a second state configured to couple the second input with theoutput.

In Example 2, the first input of Example 1 is optionally configured toreceive the USB information from a USB controller, and the second inputis optionally configured to receive the serialized video informationfrom a video serializer.

In Example 3, any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally includes thevideo serializer, wherein the video serializer is configured to receivea video signal from a video controller, to serialize the video signal,and to provide non-packet-based serialized video information to thesecond input using the video signal.

In Example 4, the first state of the switch of any one or more ofExamples 1-3 is optionally configured to provide USB information to theoutput and to isolate the second input from the output, and the secondstate of the switch of any one or more of Examples 1-3 is optionallyconfigured to provide serialized video information to the output and toisolate the first input from the output.

In Example 5, the first input of any one or more of Examples 1-4optionally includes a USB port configured to receive packet-basedinformation according to a USB protocol, and the output of any one ormore of Examples 1-4 is optionally is configured to provide thepacket-based information to the remote device according to the USBprotocol.

In Example 6, the serialized video information of any one or more ofExamples 1-5 optionally includes non-packet-based serialized videoinformation, wherein the non-packet-based serialized video informationincludes a video data stream, and the remote device of any one or moreof Examples 1-5 optionally includes a deserializer configured to receivethe video data stream using a physical USB interface and to deserializethe received video data stream.

In Example 7, the remote device of any one or more of Examples 1-6optionally includes a display configured to display the deserializedvideo data stream.

In Example 8, any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally includes anintegrated circuit, the integrated circuit including the switch.

In Example 9, any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally includes avideo serializer configured to receive a video signal from a videocontroller and to provide serialized video information to the secondinput using the video signal, and wherein the integrated circuit of anyone or more of Examples 1-8 optionally includes the video serializer.

In Example 10, the serialized video information of any one or more ofExamples 1-9 optionally includes non-packet-based high definition videoinformation, wherein the output of any one or more of Examples 1-9 isoptionally configured to provide the non-packet-based high definitionvideo information to the remote device using a physical USB interface,and wherein the physical USB interface of any one or more of Examples1-9 optionally includes a physical USB 3.0 interface.

In Example 11, the non-packet-based high definition video information ofany one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally includes at least one of a720p, 1080i, or 1080p video stream.

In Example 12, any one or more of Examples 1-11 optionally includes aportable device including the switch, a video controller configuredprovide a video signal, a video serializer configured to receive thevideo signal from the video controller and to provide non-packet-basedserialized video information to the second input of the switch using thevideo signal, and a USB controller configured to provide the USBinformation, wherein the switch is configured to provide the USBinformation to the remote device in the first state using a physical USBinterface, and wherein the switch is configured to provide thenon-packet-based serialized video information to the remote device inthe second state using the physical USB interface.

In Example 13, a method includes receiving Universal Serial Bus (USB)information at a first input of a switch, receiving serialized videoinformation at a second input of the switch, providing the USBinformation to a remote device using an output of the switch at a timein which the switch is in a first state; and providing the serializedvideo information to the remote device using the output of the switch ata time in which the switch is in a second state.

In Example 14, the receiving the USB information of any one or more ofExamples 1-13 optionally includes receiving USB information from a USBcontroller, and the receiving the serialized video information of anyone or more of Examples 1-13 optionally includes receiving serializedvideo information from a video serializer.

In Example 15, any one or more of Examples 1-14 optionally includesreceiving a video signal from a video controller, serializing the videosignal, and providing non-packet-based serialized video information tothe second input of the switch using the video signal.

In Example 16, any one or more of Examples 1-15 optionally includesisolating the second input of the switch from the output of the switchduring the first state, and isolating the first input of the switch fromthe output of the switch during the second state.

In Example 17, the receiving the USB information of any one or more ofExamples 1-16 optionally includes receiving packet-based informationaccording to a USB protocol, and the providing the USB information ofany one or more of Examples 1-16 optionally includes providingpacket-based information to the remote device according to the USBprotocol.

In Example 18, the receiving the serialized video information of any oneor more of Examples 1-17 optionally includes receiving non-packet-basedserialized video information, the non-packet-based serialized videoinformation including a video data stream, and the method of any one ormore of Examples 1-17 optionally includes receiving the video datastream using a physical USB interface, and deserializing the receivedvideo data stream.

In Example 19, the receiving the serialized video information of any oneor more of Examples 1-18 optionally includes receiving non-packet-basedhigh definition video information, and the providing the serializedvideo information to the remote device of any one or more of Examples1-18 optionally includes providing the non-packet-based high definitionvideo information to the remote device using a physical USB interface.

In Example 20, the providing the non-packet-based high definition videoinformation of any one or more of Examples 1-19 optionally includesproviding at least one of a 720p, 1080i, or 1080p video stream.

In Example 21, any one or more of Examples 1-20 optionally includes adeserializer configured to receive non-packet-based serialized videoinformation using a physical Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, todeserailize the received non-packet-based serialized video information,and to provide a high definition output signal to a video port using thedeserialized video information.

In Example 22, any one or more of Examples 1-21 optionally includes aconverter configured to convert the deserialized video information tothe high definition output signal.

In Example 23, the non-packet-based serialized video information of anyone or more of Examples 1-22 optionally includes non-packet-basedserialized high definition video information, and the deserialized videoinformation of any one or more of Examples 1-22 optionally includesdeserialized high definition video information.

In Example 24, the non-packet-based serialized high definition videoinformation of any one or more of Examples 1-23 optionally includes atleast one of a 720p, 1080i, or 1080p video stream.

In Example 25, the high definition output signal of any one or more ofExamples 1-24 optionally includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface(HDMI) compatible signal, and the video port of any one or more ofExamples 1-24 optionally includes an HDMI video port.

In Example 26, the high definition output signal of any one or more ofExamples 1-25 optionally includes a DisplayPort compatible signal, andthe video port of any one or more of Examples 1-25 optionally includes aDisplayPort video port.

In Example 27, the physical USB interface of any one or more of Examples1-26 optionally includes a physical USB 3.0 interface.

In Example 28, any one or more of Examples 1-27 optionally includes thephysical USB interface and the video port.

In Example 29, any one or more of Examples 1-28 optionally includes anintegrated circuit, the integrated circuit including the deserializer.

In Example 30, the video port of any one or more of Examples 1-29 isoptionally configured to provide power to the deserializer.

In Example 31, the deserializer of any one or more of Examples 1-30 isoptionally configured to receive power from the physical USB interface.

In Example 32, a method includes receiving non-packet-based serializedvideo information using a physical Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface,deserializing the received non-packet-based serialized videoinformation, and providing a high definition output signal to a videoport using the deserialized video information.

In Example 33, any one or more of Examples 1-32 optionally includesconverting the deserialized video information to the high definitionoutput signal.

In Example 34, the receiving the non-packet-based serialized videoinformation of any one or more of Examples 1-33 optionally includesreceiving non-packet-based serialized high definition video information,and the deserializing the received non-packet-based serialized videoinformation of any one or more of Examples 1-33 optionally includesdeserializing the received non-packet-based serialized high definitionvideo information.

In Example 35, the non-packet-based serialized high definition videoinformation of any one or more of Examples 1-34 optionally includes atleast one of a 720p, 1080i, or 1080p video stream.

In Example 36, the providing the high definition output signal to thevideo port of any one or more of Examples 1-35 optionally includesproviding a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) compatiblesignal to an HDMI video port.

In Example 37, the providing the high definition output signal to thevideo port of any one or more of Examples 1-36 optionally includesproviding a DisplayPort compatible signal to a DisplayPort video port.

In Example 38, the receiving the non-packet-based serialized videoinformation using the physical USB interface of any one or more ofExamples 1-37 optionally includes using a physical USB 3.0 interface.

In Example 39, any one or more of Examples 1-38 optionally includesreceiving power using the video port.

In Example 40, any one or more of Examples 1-39 optionally includesreceiving power using the physical USB interface.

In Example 41, a system includes a video serializer configured toreceive a high definition video signal from a video controller and toprovide non-packet-based serialized high definition video information, aswitch including a first input configured to receive Universal SerialBus (USB) information, a second input configured to receive thenon-packet-based serialized high definition video information, and anoutput configured to provide at least one of the USB information or thenon-packet-based serialized high definition video information to aphysical USB interface, wherein the switch includes a first stateconfigured to couple the first input with the output and a second stateconfigured to couple the second input with the output.

In Example 42, any one or more of Examples 1-41 optionally includes adeserializer configured to receive the non-packet-based serialized highdefinition video information using the physical USB interface, todeserailize the received non-packet-based serialized video information,and to provide a high definition output signal to a video port using thedeserialized video information.

In Example 43, a system includes a deserializer configured to receivenon-packet-based serialized video information using a physical UniversalSerial Bus (USB) interface and to deserailize the receivednon-packet-based serialized video information and a converter configuredto convert the deserialized video information to a high definitionoutput signal and to provide the high definition output signal to avideo port.

In Example 44, any one or more of Examples 1-43 optionally includes avideo serializer configured to receive a high definition video signalfrom a video controller, to serialize the high definition video signal,and to provide non-packet-based serialized high definition videoinformation, and a switch including a first input configured to receiveUniversal Serial Bus (USB) information, a second input configured toreceive the non-packet-based serialized high definition videoinformation, and an output configured to provide at least one of the USBinformation or the non-packet-based serialized high definition videoinformation to the physical USB interface, wherein the switch of any oneor more of Examples 1-43 optionally includes a first state configured tocouple the first input with the output and a second state configured tocouple the second input with the output.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter ofthe present patent application. It is not intended to provide anexclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detaileddescription is included to provide further information about the presentpatent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an example of a system including a portabledevice having a USB 3.0 port coupled to a digital video port of adisplay.

FIG. 2 illustrates generally an example of a system including a USBswitch and video serializer.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally an example of a system including adeserializer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that digitalvideo (in certain examples high definition digital video) or otherdigital information can be transferred from a device containing a USBport to a remote device. In certain examples, the remote device caninclude a display, such as a high definition digital video displayhaving a digital interface (e.g., a High-Definition Multimedia Interface(HDMI), a DisplayPort, a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), etc.), anelectronic device including a display, a physical USB interface, such asa USB cable, or one or more other devices remote from the devicecontaining the USB port. It is understood that the USB port can becompatible with any version of the Universal Serial Bus standardincluding, but not limited to, USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 andcombinations thereof. USB 3.0 may be referred to as SuperSpeed USB.

Further, the present inventor has recognized, among other things, thatthe USB interface can be re-used, or used for more than one function onthe device, such as by using a switch. In certain examples, re-using theUSB interface, or using the interface for more than one function on thedevice can reduce the size or the cost of the device, can reduceelectrostatic discharge (ESD) concerns, or can inhibit one or more otherfactors involved with adding I/O interfaces to a device.

In an example, the transfer of video or other digital data need not beUSB compliant. In certain examples, instead of using a packet-based USBprotocol, the digital data can be transferred using the USB transmissiondata pairs with a serialization/deserialization scheme (e.g., differentthan a typical USB communication). In an example, a USB controllerassociated with the USB port can be disconnected from the physicallayer, and one or more other controllers can be used to transfer thedigital video on the USB port, without using the USB controller, orwithout using the packet-based USB protocol. In certain examples,disconnecting the USB controller can be less complex, and therefore, amore attractive approach to transfer the video or other digital data.

Accordingly, digital video can be transferred from a portable device toan existing digital video port (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) of anexternal display using a USB connector on the portable device, utilizingthe USB data transmission rates to transfer high definition video, aswell as utilizing the small size of the USB connector, and the low powerneeds of the USB interface.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an example of a system 100 including aportable device 105 having a USB 3.0 port (or connector) 106 coupled toa digital video port (or connector) 111 of a display 110.

In certain examples, the portable device 105 can include a mobile phone,a media player, a camera, a camcorder, a computer, or one or more otherdevices (e.g., non-portable devices) having the USB 3.0 port 106. In anexample, the portable device 105 can include a video processor 125, abaseband integrated circuit (IC) 130, and a USB switch 120 coupled tothe USB 3.0 port 106. In other examples, the baseband IC 130 can bereplaced by one or more other USB or other controllers (e.g., a mediaprocessor, etc.) configured to provide information to be transferredusing the USB 3.0 port 106 of the portable device 105.

In certain examples, the USB switch 120 can be configured to switchbetween multiple USB components in the portable device 105, such as thebaseband IC 130, the video processor 125, or one or more other USBcomponent. In an example, the video processor 125 can be configured toproduce a video output to be shown on a display of the portable device105. In many examples, the display on the portable device 105 is small.Accordingly, a user can desire to display the video output on adifferent (e.g., larger) video display.

In an example, the display 110 can include a television display (e.g., ahigh definition television display), a computer monitor, or one or moreother displays including a digital interface. In certain examples, thedigital video port 111 can include an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, a DVIport, or one or more other digital interfaces.

Many existing displays include a high definition digital interface, suchas HDMI or DisplayPort. In an example, the portable device 105 can beconfigured to use the existing high definition digital interface (e.g.,the digital video port 111), along with the USB 3.0 port 106, totransfer high definition video (e.g., 1080p, etc.) from the portabledevice 105 to the display 110. In an example, information from the videoprocessor 125 of the portable device 105 can be serialized andtransferred utilizing the data transmission capabilities of the USB 3.0port 106 to an external display, such as the display 110.

In the example of FIG. 1, the USB 3.0 port 106 of the portable device105 is coupled to the digital video port 111 of the display 110 using aUSB 3.0 cable 135 and a digital video deserializer 115. In certainexamples, the USB 3.0 cable 135 can include the digital videodeserializer 115, or the digital video deserializer 115 can be aseparate additional component configured to receive a standard USB 3.0connector, and couple to the digital video port 111.

FIG. 2 illustrates generally an example of a system 200 including a USBswitch and video serializer 220, including a data synch and serializer221, a clock generator 222, and a USB switch 223. In an example, the USBswitch and video serializer 220 can be configured to receive informationfrom a video processor 225 at the clock generator 222 and at the datasynch and serializer 221. In an example, the data synch and serializer221 can be configured to receive the information from the videoprocessor 225 and create a data stream configured to be transmittedthrough a USB 3.0 port and cable to a deserializer coupled to a digitalvideo port (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.).

In an example, the data stream from the data synch and serializer 221can be received by the USB switch 223. In certain examples, the USBswitch 223 can be configured to receive information from one or moreother sources (e.g., using input 230), such as a baseband IC, anothervideo processor, or one or more other I/O interfaces for a portabledevice, and can be configured to switch between the multiple sources tocreate a single output 224, utilizing a single USB 3.0 port for morethan one I/O interface.

In other examples, a single USB 3.0 port can be designated on theportable device 105 to transfer video data to a digital video port of adisplay (e.g., using the data synch and serializer 221, a USB 3.0 cable,and a subsequent deserializer).

In an example, some or all of the functionality of the data synch andserializer 221 or the clock generator 222 can be included in the videoprocessor 225.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally an example of a system 300 including adeserializer 315 configured to receive an input 335 (e.g., from a USB3.0 cable) and create an output 338 configured to be received from adigital video port (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.). In certain examples,the output 338 can include HDMI data, configured to be received using astandard HDMI port of a high definition television or other display, orthe output 338 can include DisplayPort data, configured to be receivedusing a standard DisplayPort of a computer monitor or other display.

In an example, the deserializer 315 can include a clock and datarecovery module 316 configured to receive information from the input335. Further, the clock and data recovery module 316 can be configuredto receive power (e.g., from the digital video port, from an external ACadapter, etc.), and in certain examples, to produce a clock signal usingthe received information. In an example, the deserializer 315 can beconfigured to receive power from a separate power supply, distinct fromthe digital video port. In certain examples, power can be received froman external AC adapter. In an example, the external AC adapter canconnect in-line with either the input 335 portion or the output 338portion of the deserializer 315, so as to not create additional externalhardware (e.g., adapters, cables, etc.) for the system 300.

Further, the deserializer 315 can include a deserializer module 317configured to receive information from the clock and data recoverymodule 316, and a converter 318 configured to receive information fromthe deserializer module 317 and produce the output 338. In someexamples, deserializing and converting of a received video data streamcan be performed in the same module. In certain examples, thedeserializer 315 can include a control module 319 configured to send orreceive control signals to or from the digital video port (e.g., tocontrol the deserialization, to control one or more functions of aportable device coupled to the deserializer 315 using the input 335,etc.).

In certain examples, HD video can include video having a resolutiongreater than or equal to 720p (e.g., 1080i, 1080p, etc.). It isunderstood that the USB port can be compatible with any USB standardincluding, but not limited, USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 andcombinations thereof.

Additional Notes

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in thisdocument are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, asthough individually incorporated by reference. In the event ofinconsistent usages between this document and those documents soincorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, theterms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system,device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to thoselisted after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within thescope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms“first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and arenot intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable mediumor machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable toconfigure an electronic device to perform methods as described in theabove examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, suchas microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, orthe like. Such code can include computer readable instructions forperforming various methods. The code may form portions of computerprogram products. Further, the code can be tangibly stored on one ormore volatile or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such asduring execution or at other times. Examples of these tangiblecomputer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks,removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disksand digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks,random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combinedwith each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope ofthe invention should be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

1. A system comprising: a switch including: a first input configured toreceive Universal Serial Bus (USB) information from a USB controller; asecond input configured to receive serialized video information; and anoutput configured to provide at least one of the USB information or theserialized video information to a remote device; wherein the switchincludes a first state configured to couple the first input with theoutput and a second state configured to couple the second input with theoutput; and a video serializer configured to receive a video signal froma video controller, to serialize the video signal, and to providenon-packet-based serialized video information to the second input usingthe video signal.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first state ofthe switch is configured to provide USB information to the output and toisolate the second input from the output; and wherein the second stateof the switch is configured to provide serialized video information tothe output and to isolate the first input from the output.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the first input includes a USB port configured toreceive packet-based information according to a USB protocol; andwherein the output is configured to provide the packet-based informationto the remote device according to the USB protocol.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the serialized video information includesnon-packet-based serialized video information; wherein thenon-packet-based serialized video information includes a video datastream; and wherein the remote device includes a deserializer configuredto receive the video data stream using a physical USB interface and todeserialize the received video data stream.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the remote device includes a display configured to display thedeserialized video data stream.
 6. The system of claim 1, including anintegrated circuit, the integrated circuit including the switch.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, including a video serializer configured to receive avideo signal from a video controller and to provide serialized videoinformation to the second input using the video signal; and wherein theintegrated circuit includes the switch and the video serializer.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the serialized video information includesnon-packet-based high definition video information; wherein the outputis configured to provide the non-packet-based high definition videoinformation to the remote device using a physical USB interface; andwherein the physical USB interface includes a physical USB 3.0interface.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the non-packet-based highdefinition video information includes at least one of a 720p, 1080i, or1080p video stream.
 10. The system of claim 1, including: a portabledevice, including: the switch; a video controller configured provide avideo signal; a video serializer configured to receive the video signalfrom the video controller and to provide non-packet-based serializedvideo information to the second input of the switch using the videosignal; and a USB controller configured to provide the USB information;wherein the switch is configured to provide the USB information to theremote device in the first state using a physical USB interface; andwherein the switch is configured to provide the non-packet-basedserialized video information to the remote device in the second stateusing the physical USB interface.
 11. A method comprising: receivingUniversal Serial Bus (USB) information at a first input of a switch;receiving serialized video information from a video serializer at asecond input of the switch; providing the USB information to a remotedevice using an output of the switch at a time in which the switch is ina first state; and providing the serialized video information to theremote device using the output of the switch at a time in which theswitch is in a second state.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thereceiving the USB information includes receiving USB information from aUSB controller.
 13. The method of claim 12, including: receiving a videosignal from a video controller; serializing the video signal; andproviding non-packet-based serialized video information to the secondinput of the switch using the video signal.
 14. The method of claim 11,including: isolating the second input of the switch from the output ofthe switch during the first state; and isolating the first input of theswitch from the output of the switch during the second state.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the receiving the USB information includesreceiving packet-based information according to a USB protocol; andwherein the providing the USB information includes providingpacket-based information to the remote device according to the USBprotocol.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the receiving theserialized video information includes receiving non-packet-basedserialized video information, the non-packet-based serialized videoinformation including a video data stream; and wherein the methodincludes: receiving the video data stream using a physical USBinterface; and deserializing the received video data stream.
 17. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the receiving the serialized videoinformation includes receiving non-packet-based high definition videoinformation; and wherein the providing the serialized video informationto the remote device includes providing the non-packet-based highdefinition video information to the remote device using a physical USBinterface.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the providing thenon-packet-based high definition video information includes providing atleast one of a 720p, 1080i, or 1080p video stream.
 19. A systemcomprising: a video serializer configured to receive a high definitionvideo signal from a video controller, to serialize the high definitionvideo signal, and to provide non-packet-based serialized high definitionvideo information; a switch including: a first input configured toreceive Universal Serial Bus (USB) information; a second inputconfigured to receive the non-packet-based serialized high definitionvideo information; and an output configured to provide at least one ofthe USB information or the non-packet-based serialized high definitionvideo information to a physical USB interface; and wherein the switchincludes a first state configured to couple the first input with theoutput and a second state configured to couple the second input with theoutput.
 20. The system of claim 19, including a deserializer configuredto receive the non-packet-based serialized high definition videoinformation using the physical USB interface, to deserailize thereceived non-packet-based serialized video information, and to provide ahigh definition output signal to a video port using the deserializedvideo information.